Petrova on Andreeva: "She has surprised everyone with her youth and tenacity"

Mirra Andreeva has been impressing for several weeks now. The 17-year-old Russian player recently won her first WTA 1000 title at the Dubai tournament and is just one match away from triumphing at Indian Wells.

In California, the world number 11, who will return to the top 10 after the tournament, has notably eliminated Rybakina, Svitolina, and Swiatek. She will now face world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka this Sunday.

Former world number 3 in the mid-2000s and winner of 13 main circuit tournaments, Nadia Petrova shared her thoughts on her young compatriot and predicted a bright future for her.

"I don't see any limits to Andreeva's potential; she has room to grow and develop. Mirra and her team are doing everything right, with competence and rigor. I think her season will be good and interesting.

I want her to become a new star like Maria Sharapova was. Mirra has everything it takes; she can succeed her. She shows great consistency in every match. She has surprised everyone with her youth and tenacity.

To maintain such form, Mirra needs to manage her schedule wisely, distribute her tournaments throughout the year, have training blocks, and allow her body to recover. The most important thing is not to play too many tournaments," she told the media outlet Championnat.